European Auto Giant Sees Opportunity in Trump's Tariff Pause

European auto major Skoda Auto Volkswagen India commented on the potential long-term benefits of the Trump Administration's recent reciprocal tariff impositions, now paused for 90 days on non-retaliating countries. Despite not supporting the tariffs, the company sees a silver lining for India's industries.

New Volkswagen Tiguan R Line Launched Amidst Tariff Discussions

Amidst these discussions, the group launched the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan R Line, priced at an introductory Rs 49 lakh. This move comes as the company faces a Rs 11,000-crore tax notice related to customs duty fraud allegations.

Free Trade Agreements and India's Potential

Piyush Arora, Managing Director at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, emphasized the company's belief in free trade and technology transfer. He suggested that the current tariff uncertainties might accelerate the long-discussed free trade agreements between India and the EU, opening new opportunities for India's component industry.

Advanced Features of the New Tiguan R-Line

The all-new Tiguan R-Line, built on the MQB EVO platform, introduces advanced features like 3-zone air-conditioning, park assist plus, and inductive charging for smartphones. It also boasts a 5-star EURO NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest SUVs on Indian roads.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Arora acknowledged the short-term challenges for India's component exports to the US due to initial tariffs but remained optimistic about the long-term opportunities. The company is also navigating a tax dispute, reaffirming its commitment to abiding by global regulations.